초록 ▼

The present invention discloses a method and apparatus for quickly heating a predetermined volume of viscous fluid and dispensing it efficiently at one or more selected temperatures. The viscous fluid includes non-volatile constituent parts. In one embodiment, the predetermined volume of viscous flu

The present invention discloses a method and apparatus for quickly heating a predetermined volume of viscous fluid and dispensing it efficiently at one or more selected temperatures. The viscous fluid includes non-volatile constituent parts. In one embodiment, the predetermined volume of viscous fluid is partially housed in a predelivery chamber separate from the main fluid reservoir. A heater assembly heats the viscous fluid in the predelivery chamber in a short time period and in small volumes to prevent overheating and adversely effecting the composition of the viscous fluid. To avoid continually heating the viscous liquid, a timer circuit is used in one embodiment.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.]1. A fluid pump and delivery system for heating and dispensing a viscous fluid which includes substantial non-volatile constituent parts, comprising:a main fluid reservoir which is substantially unheated;a pumping assembly;a predelivery chamber;a heating assembly having a

[ What is claimed is:] [1.]1. A fluid pump and delivery system for heating and dispensing a viscous fluid which includes substantial non-volatile constituent parts, comprising:a main fluid reservoir which is substantially unheated;a pumping assembly;a predelivery chamber;a heating assembly having a heating element coupled to the predelivery chamber;a dispensing spout which dispenses the viscous fluid; anda power button coupled to the heating assembly which activates the heating assembly upon demand, wherein the viscous fluid stored in the main fluid reservoir is transferred to the dispensing spout upon receiving heat energy within the predelivery chamber. [14.]14. A method for heating and dispensing a viscous fluid which includes substantial non-volatile constituent parts, comprising the steps of:storing the viscous fluid in a main fluid reservoir at an ambient temperature;pumping a portion of the viscous fluid into a predelivery chamber;heating the portion of the viscous fluid in the predelivery chamber beyond the ambient temperature;dispensing the portion of the heated viscous fluid stored in the predelivery chamber through a dispensing spout; anddiscontinuing the heating step after a predetermined time period following the dispensing step.15. The method for heating and dispensing a viscous fluid of claim 14, further comprising the step of sealing an end of the dispensing spout near a delivery point with a check valve.16. The method for heating and dispensing a viscous fluid of claim 14, wherein the heating and dispensing steps are battery powered.17. The method for heating and dispensing a viscous fluid of claim 14, wherein:the predelivery chamber has an interior wall which includes additional surface area for heating the viscous fluid.18. The method for heating and dispensing a viscous fluid of claim 14, wherein the pumping step is performed electrically.19. A fluid pump and delivery system for heating and dispensing a viscous fluid which includes substantial non-volatile constituent parts, comprising:a main fluid reservoir which is substantially unheated;a pumping assembly;a predelivery chamber;a heating assembly having a heating element coupled to the predelivery chamber and a temperature sensor which allows feedback on a temperature of the viscous fluid;a control circuit which thermostatically controls the temperature of the viscous fluid in the predelivery chamber;an overheat sensor which powers-down the heating assembly if a temperature reaches a predetermined temperature;a timer which powers-down the heating assembly after a period of nonuse;a dispensing spout which dispenses the viscous fluid;a power button coupled to the heating assembly which activates the heating assembly upon demand, wherein the viscous fluid stored in the main fluid reservoir is transferred to the dispensing spout upon receiving heat energy within the predelivery chamber; anda fluid conduit which includes the predelivery chamber and a dispensing spout, wherein a first internal diameter of at least a portion of the dispensing spout is less than a second internal diameter of at least a portion of the predelivery chamber.